The Wise Man Corojo is a new cigar with a tie in to an old cigar and a lesson in poor marketing.
El Güegüense will go down has one of the worst names in the history of cigars. The cigar which was named after a satirical play written in the 16th Century was difficult to pronounce and spell making it a very hard name for the typical cigar smoker to grasp. It wasn’t until the cigar had a Maduro counterpart named The Wise Man Maduro did the cigar have any bit of a following.
In March it was announced the El Güegüense and Wise Man Maduro would cease production at Aganora Leaf. No official reason was given but I have my theories that I might share if you ask me in person if we cross paths. Two new cigars the Wise Man Corojo (Blue) & The Wise Man Maduro (Red) have emerge from the ashes of the old brands.
The cigars which are completely new blends are made at My Father Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua and while the cigars are named as above I believe fans of the cigar will refer to them as the Wise Man Blue & Wise Man Red.
Cigar Review: The Wise Man Corojo (Blue)
Size: 5.5 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Nicaragua Corojo
Binder: Dual Nicaragua (Esteli & Jalapa)
Fillers: Nicaragua (Condega, Esteli & Jalapa)
Factory: My Father Cigars S.A.
Release Date: April 2024
Box Count: 20
The Cigar: Fans of Foundation Cigars the parent company of The Wise Man will recognize the Maltese Cross that serves as the logo. Often synonymous with the Fire Department the Maltese Cross is a symbol of protection and a badge of honor. The logo was also used on the Menelik brand which served as a LE. The oily wrapper has some veins to it and it feels a bit light in the hand although there are no soft spots and the foot of the cigar is well packed.
The Taste: Once the Wise Man Corojo is cut the cold draw reminds of me a higher proof bourbon. There is some wood notes and a touch of ethanol present. Meanwhile the aroma from the foot of the cigar has a heavy oak component to it with a touch of corn. Once the cigar is toasted and lit the initial flavor profile is sweet with nuance of vanilla and marshmallow fluff.
As we relax with the first third there is a continued subtle vanilla and marshmallow that give way to notes of bread, cashews and touch of earth. As the first third comes to a close there is a creaminess about the cigar with continued notes of oak that are enhanced on the retrohale.
Moving into the second third the cigar remains creamy as it is joined by some bitter licorice notes that work well. It’s more of a Sambuca type taster versus that of back twizzlers licorice. As we cross over the halfway point the oak that was oh so dominant on the cold draw and visible on the retrohale has made its way front and center on the palate.
Moving into the final third the cigar has a creamy texture to it that carries over to the palate with nuances of vanilla, caramel and oak. In the background there is a buttery richness that melts away into an earthy finish. The retrohale has a very minimal amount of spice and a creaminess that enhances to smooth richness of the cigar.
Conclusion: How does this one compare to the El Güegüense?!? It is infinitely better and not even close in any way, shape or form. It’s smooth, balanced and exquisitely constructed. For whatever flaws the original had, they have been corrected with the release of The Wise Man Corojo. With that said there is something familiar about this blend and while the wrapper is different I can’t help but think of the brand, El Tiante which I haven’t thought about in over a decade. That cigar was also made at My Father.
Score: 93
Price: $11.50 (Before any local or state taxes)
